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Labourers  needed  in  the  harvest  of  Christ. 

A  SERMON, 

DELIVERED  AT  SUTTON,  (S.  P.) 

MARCH   18,  1812, 
AS  PRELIMINARY  TO  THE  FORMATION 

OF  A  SOCIETY, 

IN    THE 

COUNTY  OF  WORCESTER, 

FOR  THE  AID  OF 

PIOUS  YOUNG  MEN, 

WITH  A  VIEW  TO  THE  MINISTRY. 

BY  BENJAMIN  WOOD, 

PASTOR    OF     THE    CHURCH    IN    UPTON. 

PRINTED    AT    WORCESTER,    Br  ISAAC    STURTEFANr. 

SOLD    BY    ISAIAH    THOMAS,    Jl'.V.  WORCESTER    AND    BOSTON  ■- 

ALSO,  BY  LINCOLN  ^EDMANDS,     NO.  53,  AND  SAMUEL 

T.  ARMSTRONG,    NO.     50,    COHKHII.L,  BOSTON  j 

AND  BY  MARK   NEWMAN,  ANDOVF.n. 

13': 


SERMON, 


LUKE  x.  2. 

THEREFORE  SAID  HE  UNTO  THEM,  THE  HAR- 
VEST TRULY  IS  CREAT,  BUT  THE  LABOUR- 
ERS ARE  FEW  •  PRAY  YE  THEREFORE  THE 
LORD  OF  THE  HARVEST,  THAT  HE  WOULD 
SEND  FORTH  LABOURERS  INTO  HIS  HAR- 
VEST. 

i^HRIST  is  King  in  Zion.  Under 
this  character,  he  has  the  sole  and  exclusive  right 
of  calling,  and  commissioning  men  to  labour  for 
the  good  of  the  church  ;  and  to  extend  the  tri- 
umphs of  the  cross.  Hence  those  whom  he 
sends  into  the  harvest,  on  this  important  business 
are  called  his  ambassadors,  the  ministers  of  the 
Lord  of  Hosts.  Having  sent  forth  the  twelve 
Apostles,  Christ  appointed  a  band  of  seventy 
auxilaries  to  assist  them  in  carrying  forward  the 
benevolent  purposes  of  his  grace.  A  great  field 
of  missionary  labour  was  before  them.  They 
found  much  work  to   be  done  :  And  were  they 


(    4    ) 

sufficient  to  do  the  whole  ?  Could  they  take 
every  stand,  that  was  needful  to  be  taken  ?  Could 
they  sound  the  alarm,  in  the  hearing  of  all  who 
were  defiled  with  sin,  and  exposed  to  the  wrath 
of  the  Lamb?  Let  us  hear  the  opinion  of  Christ, 
and  abide  by  his  decision.  He  declares  "The 
harvest  truly  is  great,  but  the  labourers  are  few  : 
pray  ye  therefore  the  Lord  of  the  harvest,  that 
he  would  send  forth  labourers  into  his  harvest." 
The  import  of  these  words  is  plain,  and  their 
application  easy.  By  the  harvest  is  meant  the 
world  of  mankind,  and  by  the  labourers  the  min- 
isters of  the  gospel.  With  this  explanation,  we 
shall  proceed  to  apply  them  to  the  present  oc- 
casion, presuming  they  will  not  be  considered 
unappropriate. 

This  declaration  " The  harvest  is  great ',"  is 
as  true  now,  as  when  uttered  by  Christ.  What 
an  immense  number  of  inhabitants  is  spread 
over  the  face  of  the  wqrld  !  Though  death  has 
continued  to  triumph  over  men  of  every  nation, 
climate,  colour,  language,  and  government,  yet 
instead  of  decreasing,  the  number  has  surprising- 
ly increased.  This  is  very  evident.  Look  into 
our  own  country.  How  have  its  inhabitants 
multiplied  !  From  thousands  we  have  risen  to 
millions.  But  the  number  of  people,  in  the 
United  States,  is  but  a  little  handful,  when  com- 


(    5    ) 

pared  to  the  rest  of  the  world.  And  the  greater 
part  of  these  unnumbered  millions  too,  are  with- 
out the  means  of  grace.  It  is  believed,  from 
good  authority,  that  in  Europe,  there  are  one 
hundred  and  thirty  seven  millions  of  Mahome- 
tans, Papists,  and  Pagans.  If  we  survey  Asia, 
we  shall  find  that  moral  darkness  pervades  the 
most  of  that  immense  territory.  In  that  quart&r 
of  the  globe,  there  are,  doubtless,  not  less  than 
six  hundred  millions  of  Mahometans  and  Pa- 
gans. In  Africa,  it  is  judged,  that  fifty  two 
millions  are  enveloped  in  Pagan,  and  Mahome- 
tan darkness.  And  in  the  North,  West,  and  South 
of  the  United  States,  there  is  a  land,  where  Satan 
has  for  a  long  time,  holden  his  cruel  and 
bloody  empire.  Upon  a  moderate  calculation, 
one  hundred  and  ten  millions  of  the  inhabitants 
are  Pagans,  and  Roman  Catholicks.  Surely  the 
harvest  is  great  ;  but  it  will  appear  still  greater, 
if  the  natural  state  of  mankind  is  taken  into 
consideration.  The  scriptures  represent  all  men, 
in  their  natural  state,  as  being  dead  in  trespasses 
and  sins — possessing  the  carnal  mind  which  is 
enmity  against  God.  This  most  solemn  truth, 
has  been  abundantly  confirmed,  by  observation, 
and  experience.  Mankind  have  in  all  ages,  given 
the  most  clear  and  decided  proof  of  their  total 
apostacy  from  God.     This  has  been  given,  not 


(    6    ) 

only,  by  the  poor  heathens,  destitute  of  religious 
instruction,  but  even  by  those,  brought  up  under 
the  glorious  light  of  the  gospel.  Such  have  ex- 
hibited plenary  evidence,  that  they  had  not  the 
love  of  God  reigning  in  their  hearts.  They 
have  made  light  of  the  great  salvation,  which  the 
gospel  reveals.  Calls,  warnings,  and  invitations 
have  been  disregarded.  They  have  invaded  the 
rights  of  Jehovah,  and  refused  subjection  to  his 
righteous  government.  They  have  loved  them- 
selves, supremely,  and  pursued  an  interest,  in 
opposition  to  the  authority  of  God,  and  the  best 
good  of  his  kingdom.  This  is  true  of  all  men, 
whilst  in  a  natural  state,  without  exception.  To 
characters  of  this  description,  Christ  observed, 
11  I  know  you,  that  ye  have  not  the  love  of  God 
in  you."  Unless  sinners  experience  a  change  of 
heart,  effected  bv  the  agency  of  the  Holy  Ghost, 
they  must  die  in  their  sins,  and  lie  down  in  eter- 
nal despair.  Means  and  ends  are  connected, 
both  in  the  moral,  as  well,  as  in  the  natural 
world.  Thus  the  ministry  of  reconciliation, 
under  the  government  of  Christ,  is  happily 
adapted  to  meliorate  the  moral  condition  of  men, 
and  promote  their  highest  interest.  Hence  it  is 
infinitely  important,  that  mankind  in  their  fal- 
len condition,  have  exhibited  before  them  the 
true  character  of  God.      His  revealed   pleasure 


<     7     ) 

should  be  shewn,  his  requirements  illustrated,  the 
terms  of  pardon  explained,  and  the  duty  of  re- 
pentance urged,  by  all  the  motives  which  can 
be  produced — motives,  arising  from  life  and 
death,  blessing  and  cursing,  probation  and  judg- 
ment, time  and  eternity,  heaven  and  hell.  "  Go 
ye,  said  Christ,  to  the  Apostles,  into  all  the 
world,  and  preach  the  gospel  to  every  creature." 
Go,  and  preach  my  gospel  in  the  hearing  of  per- 
ishing sinners.  The  command  is  limited  to  no 
nation.  The  Apostles  understood  it  thus.  With 
this  impression,  therefore,  upon  their  minds 
"  they  went  forth,  preaching  every  zvhere." 

In  these  regions  of  sin,  there  are  some  who 
have  imbibed  the  spirit  of  Christ,  and  are  desir- 
ing to  be  fed  with  the  sincere  milk  of  the  word. 
It  is  necessary,  therefore,  that  sinners  are  not  on- 
ly, faithfully  warned  of  their  danger,  and  ex- 
horted to  flee  from  the  wrath  to  come,  but,  that 
saints  also,  be  encouraged,  to  persevere,  in  the 
way  of  holiness,  by  the  great  and  precious  pro- 
mises of  the  gospel.  They  are  to  be  urged,  by 
the  solemn  injunction  of  him  who  said,  "  Ye 
are  my  friends  if  ye  keep  my  commandments," 
by  the  example  of  Jesus,  by  the  acts  of  the 
Apostles,  and  the  sufferings  of  the  Martyrs,  to 
quit  themselves  like  men  and  be  strong.  If", 
then,   men   must   be  instructed,  if  the    gospel 


(    8    ) 

must  be  preached  to  all  nations,  if  sinners  must 
be  warned,  if  churches  must  be  planted,  and  the 
ordinances  of  the  gospel  administered,  what  a 
harvest,  my  Brethren,  is  before  us, — a  harvest, 
calling  for  a  host  of  able,  and  pious  labourers, 
to  put  in  the  sickle,  and  reap  down  the  fields. 

M  But  the  labourers  are  few." — Were  we  to 
confine  our  views,  within  the  limits  of  this 
County,  the  call  for  labourers  would  not  appear 
so  urgent  and  pressing.  Great  thanks  are  due 
to  the  Lord  of  the  harvest,  that  he  has  so  gra- 
ciously noticed  this  part  of  the  vineyard,  and 
supplied,  so  generally,  Churches  with  Pastors, 
and  Societies  with  Teachers.  But  our  views  arc 
not  here  to  be  circumscribed.  We  must  look 
abroad.  A  great  portion  of  the  New-England 
States  is  running  over  to  briers  and  thorns,  as- 
suming the  appearance  of  uncultivated  fields  in 
a  moral  point  of  light  for  the  want  of  labourers. 
It  is  believed,  that  upon  a  moderate  calculation,  in 
these  States  there  are  six  hundred  thousand,  who 
ar-e  destitute  of  the  stated  means  of  grace.  In  ma- 
ny places  you  will  find  churches  planted,  but  no 
Pastors  ;  Societies,  but  no  Teachers,  and  multi- 
tudes who  never  heard,  either  a  prayer  or  a  ser- 
mon. We  find  by  reports,  made  from  time  to 
time  by  missionaries  to  the  Board  of  missions, 
that  the  harvest,  is,  not  only  great,  but  the  la- 


(  9  ) 
bourers  zxtfew.  Calls  for  missionary  aid,  are 
continually  increasing ;  especially  among  the 
new  settlements.  The  Macedonian  cry  "  Come 
over  and  help  us,"  with  affecting  importunity,  is 
heard  from  different  directions.  The  untutored 
Tribes  of  the  wilderness,  whose  souls  are  pre- 
cious, and  who  must  shortly  appear  in  judg- 
ment with  the  rest  of  mankind,  who  enjoy  the 
gospel,  have  few  to  point  them  to  the  cross  of 
Calvary — to  the  blood  of  cleansing.  No  less 
affecting  is  the  condition  of  more  than  one  mil- 
lion of  poor  slaves  in  our  own  country.  How 
distressing  is  their  situation !  without  religious 
instruction, — human  beings,  treated  more  like 
brutes  than  like  men,  and  yet  destined  to  the  joys 
of  Heaven,  or  the  pains  of  hell.  How  long  have 
these  miserable  creatures  been  neglected  !  O  that 
the  time  to  favour  them  were  come ;  that  men 
could  be  found,  who  would  go  and  preaych  unto 
them  Jesus  and  the  resurrection.  But,  my 
Brethren,  shall  we  find  labourers  equal  to  the 
harvest,  were  we  to  take  a  view  of  that  widely 
extended  field  across  the  Atlantic,  where  dwell 
the  stupid  Hottentot,  the  credulous  Hindo,  and 
the  wandering  Tartar  ?  There  labourers  are  few. 
There  arc  millions,  and  millions  of  inhabitants 
in  the  eastern  world,  that  have  none  to  break 
unto  them  the  bread  of  life. 

B 


(     io    ) 

Bat,  my  hearers,  what  shall  be  done? — Have 
vvc  nothing  to  do  ?  Most  certainly.  Duty  is 
plain.  **  Pray  ye  therefore  the  Lord  of  the  har- 
dest, that  he  would  send  forth  labourers  into  his 
harvest."  Prayer  is  a  most  important  and  inter- 
esting duty,  devolving  on  men.  The  command 
is  "Be  careful  for  nothing,  but  in  every  thing 
by  prayer  and  supplication,  with  thanksgiving, 
let  your  requests  be  made  known  unto  God." — 
But  does  prayer  comprise  our  whole  duty?  Has 
the  farmer  nothing  to  do  in  the  Spring,  but  pray 
that  he  might  have  a  crop  in  the  Autumn  ?  Has 
the  mariner,  sailing  to  the  Indies,  nothing  to  do, 
but  pray,  that  his  vessel  may  be  conducted,  safe- 
ly, to  the  place  of  her  destination  ?  When  we 
see  a  fellow  creature  in  distress,  for  food,  or  rai- 
ment, have  we  nothing  to  do,  but  pray  that  his 
wants  may  be  supplied  ?  And  when  we  see 
such  a  great  call  for  labourers,  have  we  nothing 
to  do,  but  pray  that  the  Lord  of  the  vineyard 
would  send  them  forth  into  his  harvest?  Yes, 
my  brethren,  we  have  other  duties  to  perform  be- 
sides this.  If  we  ask  of  Christ  any  blessing,  we 
ought  to  use  all  the  necessary  means  for  its  at- 
tainment. Suppose  a  person  were  to  make  this 
prayer,  "  Thy  kingdom  come"  he  is  not  to  stop 
here.  For  duty  requires  him  to  pursue  such 
measures,  as  may  appear  best  adapted  to  advance 


(  >■  ) 

the  interest  of  this  kingdom.  Prayer  and  good 
works  are  united.  They  go  hand  in  hand.  James, 
an  inspired  apostle,  made  this  to  appear  when  he 
said,  "  Shew  me  thy  faith  without  thy  works, 
and  I  will  shew  thee  my  faith  by  my  works."— 
Prayer  without  works  is  dead,  as  well  as  faith 
without  works.  Prayer  stimulates  to  action. — 
It  had  this  effect  upon  the  Prophets.  They  nor 
only  prayed  much,  but  did  much  to  promote  the 
cause  of  Zion.  It  had  the  same  effect,  upon  the 
Apostles.  They  were  ready  to  travel  from  place- 
to  place,  and  from  city  to  city,  when  the  cause  of 
Christ,  and  the  best  good  of  their  fellow  men  re- 
quired it ;  and  even,  to  expose  themselves  to  pe- 
culiar hardships  and  trials.  The  love  of  Christ 
constrained  them  to  do  and  suffer  all  things  for 
his  sake.  Whatever  exclusive  privileges  the  A- 
postles  enjoyed,  yet  prayer  is  the  same  in  spirit 
and  substance  in  all  ages  ;  and  will  dispose  men 
to  make  ardent  exertions,  for  the  accomplish- 
ment of  any  noble,  and  important  object. 

Considering  the  immensity  of  the  harvest,  and 
the  pressing  call  for  labourers,  the  formation  of 
a  society  to  assist  piousy  indigent  young  men  o* 
promising  talents  to  a  suitable  education,  with 
a  view  to  the  christian  ministry,  is  contemplated 
Many  difficulties  may  be  started,  and  even  ob- 
jections made  to  the   proposed   object  ;  but  be- 


(      12      ) 

fore  resolution  they  will  disappear  like  the  morn- 
ing dew  before  the  rising  sun.  Motives  power- 
ful to  justify  an  attempt  to  form  such  a  society, 
as  what  is  now  proposed,  are  at  hand.  Permit 
me,  then,  to  call  the  attention  of  this  auditory  to 
a  few,  which  may  be  considered  the  most  pro- 
minent. 

It  is  worthy  of  consideration,  that  there  arc 
men,  who  probably  would  be  highly  useful  in 
the  christian  ministry,  if  they  had  means  to  de- 
fray the  expense  of  an  education,  to  qualify 
themselves,  for  this  important  work.  They 
know  not  what  to  do.  They  dare  not  go  for- 
ward, for  they  see  no  way  to  accomplish  the  ob- 
ject. Thus  their  talents  lie  buried,  and  their  use- 
fulness in  a  great  measure  is  lost  to  the  church 
and  society  for  the  want  of  a  little  assistance. 
Now  a  society,  formed  upon  the  plan  proposed, 
if  it  were  to  meet  with  success  from  the  christian 
publick,  would  be  enabled  to  take  such  young 
men  under  their  patronage,  and  afford  them  pe- 
cuniary aid.  There  are  others  of  a  like  descrip- 
tion, who,  after  surmounting  many  difficulties, 
obtain  the  honours  of  College.  But  still  they 
are  trammeled  with  embarrassments.  The  force 
of  this  moral  precept  is  felt  by  them,  in  all  its 
weight,  "  Pay  thy  debts  "  What  can  they  do  ? 
Their  Theological  studies  for  a   time  must  now 


(    13    ) 

be  suspended,  and  a  stand  taken  in  a  school,  or 
in  some  other  business,  to  enable  them  to  dis- 
charge their  contracts.  Accordingly,  they  are 
not  introduced  into  the  field  of  harvest,  so 
soon,  as  they  might  have  been,  were  it  not  for 
their  embarrassed  situation.  Or  should  they  en- 
ter upon  a  regular  course  of  studies  with  a  view  to 
the  ministry,  before  they  are  in  a  measure  reliev- 
ed, they  would  still  feel  a  weight,  which  would 
serve  greatly  to  depress  their  spirits,  and  injure 
their  usefulness,  perhaps,  through  life.  And 
besides,  are  not  those,  who  have  been  accustom- 
ed to  hardships,  the  very  men  that  are  now 
wanted  as  missionaries  ?  Ministers,  and  espe- 
cially missionaries  must  expect  to  meet  with 
perils,  discouragements,  and  disappointments. 
Men,  brought  up  in  affluent  circumstances,  and 
unaccustomed  to  fatigue,  cannot  endure  hardships 
like  those,  educated  in  the  school  of  adversity. — 
The  latter,  not  only  know  what  it  is  to  be  in 
want,  but  they  know,  also,  what  it  is  to  be  de- 
pendent for  support.  And  the  various  changes 
through  which  they  have  passed,  have  prepared 
them  to  endure  hardness  as  good  soldiers  of 
Jesus  Christ. 

Further,  is  not  the  object  contemplated  benev- 
olent ?  The  appeal  is  made  to  christians — 
it  is  made  to  all  who  are  disposed  to  reason  and 


(    14    ) 

reflect.  Does  it  not  wear  a  most  friendly  aspect 
in  favour  of  the  Church  of  God  ?  In  favour  of 
perishing  multitudes  ?  And  in  favour  of  society 
in  general  ?  In  this  way,  some  churches  may  be 
supplied  with  pastors,  some  sinners  brought 
home  to  Christ,  and  some  destructive  errors, 
which  are  now  prevailing,  receive  a  fatal  check. 
The  people  in  new  settlements  are  greatly  ex- 
posed to  be  misled  ;  and  especially,  the  rising 
generation.  Many  are  going  about  under  the 
character  of  teachers,  who  need  teaching  them- 
selves,— declaiming  against  the  peculiar  doc- 
trines of  grace,  dividing  society  into  parties, 
— speaking  against  a  learned  ministry, — and 
against  the  order  of  churches.  This  is  a  great 
evil  ;  and  it  is  most  seriously  felt  in  many  places. 
Is  it  not  benevolent  to  make  exertions  to  sup- 
press the  progress  of  such  destructive  conse- 
quences ?  If  the  object  now  proposed  be  car- 
ried into  effect,  it  will  help  to  form  a  barrier 
against  this  great  evil.  For  the  number  would 
be  multiplied,  who  would  be  able  "  by  sound 
doctrine  both  to  exhort  and  to  convince  the  gain- 
sayers."  In  giving  existence  to  such  a  society, 
we  hope  suspicion  will  not  consider  it,  a  political 
combination.  We  solemnly  disclaim,  in  this 
publick  manner,  all  party  purposes  whatever. 
Instead  of  opposing,  we  are  uniting  with  mission- 


(  «5  ) 
ary  establishments.  We  heartily  wish  them  suc- 
cess. And  as  an  evidence  too,  and  in  zeal  for  the 
common  cause,  we  are  calling  togetherour  strength 
for  the  purpose  of  educating  pious,  indigent 
young  men,  with  a  view  to  the  christian  ministry  ; 
and  who,  when  qualified  for  the  arduous  work, 
may  go  forth,  trusting  in  Israel's  God,  as  David 
met  the  champion  of  Gath.  Our  object  we  trust, 
ultimately  respects  the  glory  of  God,  the  cause  of 
Christ,  and  the  salvation  of  sinners.  If  so,  ir  is 
benevolent,  and  therefore  ou^ht  to  be  encour- 
aged. 

We  observe  again,  To  assist  the  poor  is  not 
only  commanded,  but  is  essential  to  true  religion. 
Obedience  to  the  divine  commands  must  be  uni- 
versal. That  man's  religion  is  defective,  who 
pretends  to  heed  one  command,  but  disregards 
another  equally  binding.  It  is  therefore  asserted, 
"  Whosoever  shall  keep  the  whole  law,  and  yet 
offend  in  one  point  he  is  guilty  of  all."  That 
love  which  will  make  no  sacrifices,  when  duty- 
calls  is  no  better  than  "  sounding  brass,  or  a 
tinkling  cymbol."  What  saith  the  scripture? — 
"  If  a  brother  or  a  sister  be  naked,  and  destitute 
of  daily  food,  and  one  of  you  say  unto  them,  de- 
part in  peace,  be  you  warmed  and  filled,  what 
doth  it  profit?  Whoso  hath  this  world's  good, 
and  seeth  his  brother  have  need,  and  shuttcth  up 


(    16    ) 

the  bowels  of  compassion  from  him  "  How 
dwelleth  the  love  of  God  in  him?"  If  Divine 
Providence  confer  property  on  men,  it  is  always 
accompanied  with  this  injunction,  "  That  they 
do  good,  that  they  be  rich  in  good  works,  ready 
to  distribute,  willing  to  communicate."  It  is  in 
the  power  of  such  to  discharge  some  of  the  most 
delightful  offices  of  human  life.  They  can  give 
to  the  needy,  comfort  the  distressed,  and  aid  be- 
nevolent institutions,  by  opening  their  hands  with 
generous  liberality.  And  where  there  are  ability 
and  a  call  for  acts  of  munificence,  negligence  is  an 
open  violation  of  the  precepts  of  both  tables  of 
the  law. 

The  great  things  which  are  now  in  operation 
to  promote  the  cause  of  Christ,  and  the  success 
which  appears  to  accompany  the  adopted  means, 
afford  encouragement  to  proceed  in  the  object  be- 
fore us.  The  period  in  which  we  live  is  truly 
eventful.  Christians  seem  to  be  roused  from 
their  slumbers,  and  unprecedented  exertions  are 
making  to  publish  to  all  nations  the  gospel  of 
Christ.  The  means  now  in  operation,  for  the 
accomplishment  of  this  most  desirable  event,  are 
truly  noticeable.  Who  can  look  on  without  as- 
tonishment !  Glory  beams  from  the  cross,  and 
dazzling  splendour  excites  admiration!  Bible, 
Missionary,  and  Tract  societies  are  formed — 'these 


(     17    ) 

are  streams  which  water  the  heritage  of  God. — 
In  exertions,  for  disseminating  divine  truth,  we 
are  not  alone.  In  the  eastern  world,  the  protes- 
tants  of  Europe  are  awake  to  missionary  interests. 

The  happy  effects  of  these  numerous  societies, 
formed  in  different  parts  of  Christendom  have 
corresponded  in  some  good  degree,  with  the  sac- 
rifices which  have  been  made.  Whilst  the  friends 
of  Christ  have  been  planting,  the  Lord  of  the 
harvest,  has  been  pleased  to  give  the  increase — 
"  working  with  them,  and  confirming  the  word 
with  signs  following."  Now  in  view  of  these 
things,  we  are  called  upon,  with  impressive  em- 
phasis, to  unite  exertion  with  prayer  and  be  ready 
to  stand  in  our  lot.  Shall  we  not  lay  one  stone, 
or  drive  one  pin  in  this  building?  Shall  we  look 
on  as  idle  spectators,  whilst  we  see  the  friends  of 
God  so  generally  labouring?  Rather,  let  us  unite 
with  them,  and  feel  ourselves  bound  by  every  tie, 
to  serve  God,  with  all  our  talents,  and  with  all 
our  strength. 

If  we  attend  to  the  predictions,  respecting  the 
kingdom  ot  Christ,  and  the  spread  of  the  gospel, 
we  are  furnished  with  an  additional  motive,  stirn 
ulating  to  action.  The  rising  glory  of  Christ's 
kingdom,  and  the  universal  spread  of  his  gospel 
are  things  foretold  in  scripture.  In  this  both  the 
Old  and  New  Testaments  perfectly  agree.  There 


(    i8    ) 

is  a  d<\y  corning,  when  the  Church  shall  emerge 
from  obscurity,  and  put  on  her  beautiful  gar- 
ments— when  the  gospel  shall  be  preached  to  all 
the  nations  of  the  world.  This  is  what  we  are 
to  expect  according  to  prophesy.  For  it  is  de- 
clared, "  He  shall  see  the  travail  of  his  soul  and  be 
satisfied.  Ask  of  me,  and  I  will  give  thee  the  he  a- 
then  for  thine  inheritance,  and  the  uttermost  parts 
of  the  earth  for  thy  possession — All  the  ends  of 
the  earth  shall  see  the  salvation  of  God." 

But,  my  brethren,  how  is  this  to  be  accom- 
plished ?  Are  we  looking  for  miracles  ?  Are  we 
to  sit  still,  and  expect  some  providential  interpo- 
sition, like  the  sun,  standing  still  upon  Gibeon, 
and  the  moon  in  the  valley  of  Ajalon  ?  God  is 
able  to  carry  forward  the  benevolent  purposes  of 
his  grace  in  this  way,  but  we  are  not  to  expect  it. 
He  works  by  means.  If  the  kingdom  of  Christ 
is  to  spread  through  all  nations,  the  agency  of 
man  is  to  be  employed  in  accomplishing  it.  If 
the  standard  of  the  cross  is  to  be  erected  at  Hin- 
dostan,  money  must  be  raised,  a  vessel  fitted  out, 
and  missionaries  must  hazard  their  lives  in  the 
attempt .  * '  How  shall  they  hear  without  a  preach- 
er f%*  The  dispensation  of  the  word  is  the  estab- 
lished mean  for  converting  sinners.  Human  ef- 
forts are  concerned,  in  the  works  of  Providence, 
:ind  are  they  to  be  excluded  in  the  most  impor- 


(  '9  ) 
tant  of  all — in  the  spread  of  the  gospel,  and  in 
the  erection  of  Churches  among  those  throngs  of 
miserable  pilgrims  who  are  devoting  themselves 
to  the  impure  and  sanguinary  worship  of  Jugger- 
naut ?  No,  the  earth  shall  help  the  woman.  God 
can  press  into  his  service,  whatever  means  he 
pleases.  And  he  is  now  mustering  his  hosts.  See 
what  is  taking  place.  Kingdoms  are  shaking. 
Thrones  are  tottering.  Heralds  are  going  forth 
in  many  directions,  "To  proclaim  the  acceptable 
year  of  the  Lord,  and  the  day  of  vengeance  of 
our  God."  The  various  nations  of  India,  are  re- 
ceiving the  word  of  God,  translated  into  their 
languages.  In  this  way,  God  will  establish  his 
kingdom,  from  the  "  River  even  to  the  ends  of 
the  earth."  When  therefore  we  consider  that 
means  and  ends  are  connected,  we  are  furnished 
with  a  weighty  motive  co  go  on,  and  leave  the  is- 
sue with  the  Lord  of  the  harvest. 

One  motive  more  remains,  yet  to  be  added, 
which  is  the  reward.  He,  who  gives  to  the  poor, 
or  for  the  purpose  of  aiding  any  benevolent  ob- 
ject from  pious  motives,  will  receive  a  reward  ; 
not  on  the  footing  of  debt,  but  of  grace.  It  i ; 
therefore  declared,  the  liberal  soul  shall  be  made 
fat,  and  he  that  watereth,  shall  be  watered  also 
himself.  Giveandit  shall  be  given  unto  you.'5 
— "  He,  that  hath   pity  on  the  poor  lendeth  imtq 


(     20     ) 

the  Lord,  and  that  which  he  hath  given  will  he 
pay  him  again."  "  He  that  giveth  to  the  poor 
shall  not  lack."  "  There  is  that  scattereth and 
yet  increaseth. "  The  widow,  casting  in  her  two 
mites  into  the  treasury  of  the  Lord,  will  be  gra- 
ciously noticed  in  the  great  day  of  accounts.  Ev- 
ery cent,  given  with  a  temper  of  mind,  corres- 
ponding to  the  spirit  of  the  gospel  will  be  care- 
fully registered  in  the  records  of  heaven.  A  re- 
ward is  promised  to  the  lowest  act  of  benevo- 
lence— even,  to  giving  of  a  cup  of  cold  water! 
O  then  what  a  rich,  and  lasting  reward  is  reserv- 
ed for  such,  as  give  much,  and  do  much  for  the 
promotion  of  the  cause  of  Christ  in  the  world. 
For  them,  are  reserved  in  store,  crowns  of  distin- 
guished brightness,  ensigns  of  everlasting  hon- 
our. In  serving  Chirst,  and  the  souls  of  men, 
they  are  serving  themselves;  and  in  promoting 
the  interests  of  others,  they  most  effectual  ad- 
vance their  own. 

The  motives  exhibited  in  view  of  the  object 
of  the  present  meeting,  are  now  submitted  for 
your  consideration.  If  they  have  any  weight,  it 
is  presumed,  you  will  act  under  their  influence. 
The  impottant  question  in  a  few  moments  is  to 
be  decided,  shall  a  society  be  formed. 
God,  and  Christ,  Angels  and  men,  will  witness 
the  decision.     It  is  hoped  the  result  will  be  such, 


(  21  ) 

as  will  bear  the  inspection  of  the  last  great  day. 
Should  a  society  be  formed,  having  for  its  object 
the  glory  of  God,  in  assisting  pious,  indigent 
young  men  to  an  education,  for  the  christian 
ministry,  its  success  will  greatly  depend  on  your 
exertions.  To  you,  therefore,  my  Brethren 
and  Friends,  we  look.  And  we  look,  with  high 
expectations,  that  you  are  ready  to  second  the 
object.  We  ask  not  for  ourselves,  but  for  young 
men  whose  hearts  glow  with  all  the  ardour  of 
holy  zeal — for  young  men,  who  are  anxiously  de- 
siring an  education,  that  they  might  enter  with 
others  into  the  harvest,  but  see  no  way  to  obtain 
it.  In  asking  for  them  we  ask  for  Christ.  f<  In 
as  much,  as  ye  have  done  it  unto  one  of  the 
least  of  these  my  brethren,  ye  have  done  it  unto 
me.'*  Shall  the  Saviour,  then,  be  denied  ?  Did 
he  deny  you  ?  Did  he  shut  up  his  bowels  of 
compassion,  when  you  were  poor  and  helpless  ? 
Go  to  the  manger,  go  to  the  garden,  go  to  the 
summit  of  Calvary,  and  see  what  Jesus  hath  done. 
He  who  was  rich  became  poor.  Here  is  an 
exhibition  of  amazing  charity.  M  Let  the  same 
mind  be  in  you  which  was  also  in  Christ."  All 
have  something  to  do.  If  all  have  not  pro- 
perty to  give  ;  then  such  as  have  not  must  aid 
the  object,  by  their  counsels,  by  their  prayers, 
and  by  their  examples,     Shall   support  be  deni- 


(      22 

cd  ?  What  is  money  when  put  in  competition 
with  the  salvation  of  sinners  ?  All  the  riches  of 
the  world  would  be  a  price  inadequate  to  redeem 
one  when  lost.  Now  a  few  dollars,  thus  appro- 
priated, may  be  a  mean  in  the  hand  of  God  of 
saving  multitudes  from  the  pit  of  destruction, 
and  of  enriching  their  souls  with  never  ending 
triumphs.  "  Behold  what  a  great  matter  a  little 
fire  kindleth  !"  If,  then,  the  harvest  is  great,  if 
labourers  are  wanted,  if  the  souls  of  men  are 
precious,  if  the  honour  of  Christ  is  an  object  of 
our  desire,  and  if  we  wish  to  lift  up  the  standard 
in  the  defence  of  truth,  let  us,  this  day  erect 
a  monument  of  our  zeal,  which  may  be  had  in 
lasting  remembrance  when  we  may  be  sleeping 
in  the  dust. 

As  it  respects  us,  as  it  respects  this  congrega- 
tion, your  opportunities  for  doing  good,  will 
soon  be  at  an  end.  If,  therefore,  you  have  any 
thing  to  do,  if  you  have  any  thing  to  give  for 
the  actual  advancement  of  the  glorious  cause  of 
Christ,  be  pleased  to  do  it  quickly.  For  the 
Kings  business  requireth  haste.  It  will  be  a  dis- 
tinguished honour  to  be  employed,  as  instru- 
ments in  gathering  into  the  kingdom  of  Christ 
a  rich  harvest  of  souls.  Under  so  pleasing  an 
impression,  we  would  now  commit  ourselves, 
and  the  cause  to  the  direction  of  him,  who  is 


(    *3    ) 

Lord  of  the  harvest ;  believing  that  he  who  sows, 
and,  he  who  reaps  will  rejoice  together ;  in  that 
kingdom  which  hath  foundations,  whose  builder 
and  maker  is  God. 


Q  ' 


